How to Make Printable Colouring Pages Look Their Best

Printable colouring pages are one of the easiest ways to enjoy a little creative time whenever you fancy it. You can choose a design, print it at home and be colouring within minutes, which makes them perfect for quiet afternoons, cosy evenings or those moments when you simply want something relaxing to do. A few small printing choices can make a surprisingly big difference to how your finished page looks, though, especially when it comes to paper, printer settings and the colouring tools you use.

Start With the Right Paper

Standard printer paper works perfectly well for everyday colouring, but if you want your printable colouring pages to feel a little more special, choosing slightly thicker paper can help. Heavier paper often feels nicer to colour on and can cope better with layers of pencil or marker ink.

If you mainly use colouring pencils, a smooth but slightly substantial paper is usually a lovely choice because it gives you enough surface to build up colour without feeling too thin. If you prefer markers, thicker paper can help reduce the chance of ink soaking through, although it is still worth placing an extra sheet underneath your page just in case.

Check Your Printer Settings

Before pressing print, take a moment to look at your printer settings. Selecting a higher print quality can help make black outlines look sharper and cleaner, especially on colouring pages with lots of little details.

It is also worth checking the page size and scaling options. Printable colouring pages are usually designed for a particular paper size, so choosing the correct setting helps stop the artwork from being stretched, cropped or accidentally shrunk. If your printer gives you the choice, printing at actual size or 100% scale is often a good place to start.

Let the Ink Dry Before Colouring

This sounds very simple, but giving your freshly printed page a little time to dry can save you from smudges later. Printer ink can sometimes still be slightly damp when the page first comes out, particularly if you have used a higher-quality print setting.

Leaving the page alone for a few minutes means the outlines have time to settle properly before you start colouring. It is a tiny step, but nobody wants to accidentally drag a hand through a freshly printed croissant and give it an unexpected grey shadow.

Choose Your Colouring Tools Carefully

Different tools create very different finishes, so think about the look you want before you begin. Colouring pencils are brilliant for soft shading, layering and detailed areas, while markers give you stronger, smoother blocks of colour.

If you are using markers, always test one on a spare piece of the same paper first. Some inks behave differently depending on the thickness and coating of the paper, and a quick test can help you avoid any surprises.

You can also mix tools together. Markers work beautifully for larger areas, while colouring pencils can be added afterwards for extra shading, texture or tiny details.

Protect the Surface Underneath

If you are using anything that might bleed through the paper, place a spare sheet underneath your colouring page before you begin. This protects your table and gives you a little extra peace of mind while you colour.

It is especially useful with alcohol-based markers, which can soak through even fairly thick paper. A simple scrap sheet underneath is usually all you need to keep things tidy.

Make the Page Your Own

The best-looking colouring page is not necessarily the neatest or most perfectly shaded one. It is the one you had fun creating. Try colour combinations you would not normally use, add your own little details or turn a perfectly ordinary scene into something completely ridiculous.

Printable colouring pages give you the freedom to experiment because, if you want another go, you can simply print the design again and try something completely different.

At Ohmymello, our printable colouring pages are made for cosy creative moments, playful colour choices and just the right amount of silliness. Explore our single colouring pages and printable bundles to find your next scene, print it at home and make it completely your own.